Wednesday 15 May 2019
American Idiot (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
American Idiot (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Taking Wimbledon by storm, American Idiot is a maelstrom of epic performances, high intensity choreography, a killer score and fantastic acting. Taking the music of Greenday and combining it with a story about three men facing darkness and pain on their journeys to finding something they can believe in; it is a very well constructed show which packs all the right punches.
Sara Perks' design is simplistic but does complete justice to the theme and aesthetic of the show. Screens are cleverly used to show various emotions and flashbacks and to emphasise certain scenes. These also allow original American Idiot cast member Lucas Rush to be cleverly worked into the show as the Rock 'n' Roll Boyfriend, these little details make the show stand out and no doubt are a factor in keeping loyal fans returning time after time.
Tim Deiling's lighting is suitably in your face, but equally precise and emotive in the higher intensity moments of the show. Chris Whybrow also achieves good balance between creating blast-your-ears-off numbers and more acoustic sounding pieces. For a show which on the surface may seem a bit of a mish-mash, it's very well conceived and carried out.
The American Idiot cast are uniformly strong as they perform Racky Plews' choreography with bite and aggression, and give note-perfect vocal performances. Tom Milner is darkly captivating as Johnny who leads the show with spades of commitment. Milner's breakdown moment is act two is utterly superb. The audience can physically feel each others tension as Milner has mastered controlling a crowd with every breath. His well-acted and well-sung performance is impeccable.
Sam Lavery is a vocal powerhouse who brings a sexiness and sadness to the show. He vocals are smooth and captivating. Luke Friend give a manic and electric performance with killer vocals and a performance which crackles and fizzles throughout; and Samuel Pope plays the troubled Will with sincerity and subtlety. As Tunny, Joshua Dowen gives a striking performance with a great character arc.
Another stand out is Glenn Adamson who captures our attention whenever he's on stage and who provides particularly strong vocals in his solo moments. Alexandra Robinson, Shekinah McFarlane and Siobhan O'Driscoll are especially memorable throughout.
Musical highlights include 21 Guns, Wake Me Up When September Ends, St Jimmy and Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life), but the whole score is performed superbly well.
Whether you've grown up with Greenday, or like me just know a few of the most popular songs, you'll certainly enjoy this raucous show. The storyline itself is pretty thin but thanks to the outstanding vocal performances and incredibly emotive and shocking scenes, American Idiot provides a fun, feisty night out.
American Idiot runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 18th March 2019 before continuing its tour
photo credit: Mark Dawson Photography
Friday 10 May 2019
Matilda (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review
Matilda (UK Tour)
Bristol Hippodrome
Reviewed on Thursday 9th May 2019 by Roni Hughes
★★★★
Whether you yourself were obsessed with books as a child, or if you were just more of a movie person, I can guarantee that you will know something of Matilda Wormwood.
Originally a children’s book written by Roald Dahl and released in 1988, Matilda was later adapted into a blockbuster film starring Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito, becoming a firm favourite of young and old alike. Now the well known tale is back in a musical stage adaption by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics from Tim Minchin. Although currently on its first UK tour, the show has been a resident in London’s West End since 2011, and having had the pleasure of seeing it there multiple times, I was intrigued to see how seamlessly such a fast paced and well staged show would transfer to a smaller stage. For many parents unable to travel to London, this is their opportunity to take children to the show for the first time, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement upon arriving at the theatre.
Right from the off, it’s clear that the transfer has taken nothing away from the production value. Even on a smaller stage, the intricacies of the sets to include many books and building block letters are still mind blowing. There is so much to look at, yet none of it distracts from the main action. A special shout out must go to the cleverly written and performed School Song, in which the older children of Trunchem Hall teach the new starters their ABC’s through the menacing school gates. Hats off to Matt Towell and Ben Davies for continuing to make this as dynamic and tricky as it should be.
Outside of the staging, there are a few standout members of the cast without whom the show would fall flat. Our Matilda for the night, Olivia Juno Cleverley, has the little girl’s feisty nature down to a T. She has to ability to have us laughing along with her karate chopping one minute, and the next be tugging on our heart strings in softer moments where we’re confronted with just how awfully the adults in her life treat Matilda. At her young age, this is no mean feat, and I’m sure there are bright things to come for her. Special mention also to Charlie Garton who played cake loving Bruce Bogtrotter. His fabulous dance moves in Revolting Children have the audience rolling in the aisles, and he has energy and stage presence in spades.
This is not forgetting the adult cast members, who do well in being the literal embodiment of their characters. Carly Thoms’ Miss Honey is perfectly meek and mild, and her rendition of My House is suitably gut-wrenching. It’s a refreshing change to have one adult in Matilda’s story for whom you root just as much as title character, and Thoms allows us to sympathise completely with this teacher with a heart of gold.
We also cannot overlook Elliot Harper, who plays the formidable Agatha Trunchbull. Harper succeeds brilliantly in providing us with the laughs throughout the entire show, right down to one final cry of ‘Maggots!’ during the last reprise. He is the fourth Trunchbull I’ve been able to watch, and he certainly does not disappoint.
One thing I must mention that took away slightly from the overall production was the sound mixing. I’m unsure on whether it was simply down to the mics or the theatre layout, but the music seemed to overpower the actors, and particularly in chorus songs, the clarity needed to hear all the lyrics was missing. The show in general was not quite as polished as you would expect for a show that’s been on tour for 14 months already, which was most obvious in some of the dance sequences. However, despite this the show was still more than enjoyable, and this may just be down to adjusting to the recent move to the Hippodrome.
This show is wonderful for children from ages 4-104 and would certainly make for a fantastic family night out. There are plenty of age appropriate gags for all generations, and there’s a great balance of poignant moments mixed with fun and hilarity. I would definitely recommend being a little bit ‘naughty’ and treating yourself to a ticket!
Matilda runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 8th June before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Thursday 9 May 2019
Georgia Carling and Patrick Sullivan: Surviving a Millennial Jukebox, Museum of Comedy | Review
Georgia Carling and Patrick Sullivan: Surviving a Millennial Jukebox
Museum of Comedy
Reviewed on Wednesday 8th May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Bat Out of Hell may have closed at the start of the year but that doesn't mean the love for the show and its cast has dwindled. In fact, the fans may be even more supportive now as they jump at each chance to keep the memories alive. Last night that was helped by Valkyrie and Blake themselves: Georgia Carling and Patrick Sullivan who put on a concert as part of Monsteers Artistry's new series. The pair took to the stage of the intimate Museum of Comedy to bring us a night of beautiful vocal entertainment as they sung us through some of their favourite songs.
Despite both having their starring moments in Bat, it was an enthralling treat to hear both performers really sing and show the audience just how talented they are. Their various song choices allowed us to hear cutesy, lilting moments alongside huge belt numbers, each and every one of which was performed with intensity and vocal prowess.
Patrick Sullivan's gloriously smooth tone is a true delight to hear as he skilfully masters huge songs including The Streets of Dublin (revive A Man of No Importance please) and Sam Smith's Lay Me Down. Patrick's natural charm leads the audience to feel welcomed and the space of the Museum of Comedy is perfect for a semi-informal concert.
Georgia Carling's infectious personality bursts out from the stage as she provides not only killer vocals but a magnetic stage presence which enchants the audience and has them in the palm of her hand. Georgia's rendition of The Story was completely magical and Before He Cheats brought a sassy side to the night's proceedings. Georgia has a special skill of being able to capture a crowd whilst remaining natural and relaxed as she allows the audience to bask in her talents.
Alongside the natural banter of Georgia and Patrick, the pair were joined by ex-Strat and fan favourite, Benjamin Purkiss who brought spades of humour and vocals beyond belief to the nights proceedings. Stacy's Mom was a comedic standout and Matt Corby's Brother was a vocal gem of a piece which Ben performed stunningly.
In a night where every song was a delight, some other highlights included Patrick's masterfully controlled version of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; They Just Keep Moving The Line which Georgia performed with gusto and honesty; Dream On which was a battle of the powerhouses Patrick and Ben; and Lucky which was magically performed by Georgia and Patrick.
If you weren't at the Museum of Comedy last night then you really missed out on a fantastically performed concert with treat after treat from three of the most talented performers the West End has to offer. I can only hope this isn't the last time we see and hear this trio perform. If you want to witness truthful, magnetic performances then look no further than Georgia, Patrick and Ben!
Follow Monsteers Artistry for information on future concerts and events
photo credit: Rishi Rai
Wednesday 8 May 2019
Amour, Charing Cross Theatre | Review
Amour
Charing Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 7th May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
Adapted by Jeremy Sams from Didier van Cauwelaert's original French libretto which was based on Le Passe-muraille (The Man Who Walked Through Walls), Amour is a fantasy musical set in 1950's post war Paris. It tells the story of shy civil servant Dusoleil who works tirelessly whilst pining for a beautiful woman who lives near him. The woman, Isabelle, is unhappily married and treated like property by her husband, the local prosecutor.
One night, Dusoleil discovers he has the power to walk through walls. This special power allows him to secretly stand up to those who have wronged him, and to act as the French Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. He becomes know as the mysterious Passepartout who captures the attention of the city and of Isabelle...
This is a sweet and bittersweet story which is delicately handled by Director Hannah Chissick. The concept of Amour is intriguing and mystical, and the style of the music is chocolate box sweet, but unfortunately the plot itself does little to keep the audience enthralled.
It's a slow build show, meaning that nothing really happens for the majority of the first act. The scene is set and the Parisian characters are introduced in a flurry of bikes and motion. The music by Michel Legrand invokes all things Paris and is performed very well by the tight knit ensemble but as a whole the show feels oddly paced and somewhat un-cohesive.
Individually the aspects are great. Rob Halliday's atmospheric lighting is divinely whimsical and warm with a hint of magic mixed in; Matt Cole's choreography is sharp and sweetly emotive and Adrian Gee's sets and costumes do transport us to 50's Paris. Mention must also go to the band, led by Jordan Li-Smith who play fantastically and Andrew Johnson who mixes the sound perfectly so each line can be heard even when various counterpoints are happening.
The cast are a superb ensemble. Gary Tushaw leads as Dusoleil, giving a vocally strong and charming performance. Anna O'Byrne is beautiful and vocally divine as Isabelle, although the character herself is a little flat. Alasdair Harvey is suitably threatening as the prosecutor and Elissa Churchill gives a wonderfully strong, stand out performance. Claire Machin brings humour and energy and Keith Ramsay is the embodiment of Parisian charm as he floats around the stage providing delightful vocal tidbits. Alistair So and (at this performance) Jack Reitman contribute well individually and to the full ensemble.
This is a well performed, well staged and well lit production but it doesn't make sparks fly. Amour is a refreshingly light production that has enough musical treats to entertain and has been well handled by the entire creative team, but overall is falls flat.
photo credit: Scott Rylander
Tuesday 7 May 2019
Man of La Mancha, London Coliseum | Review
Man of la Mancha
London Coliseum
Reviewed on Friday 20th October 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★
Man of La Mancha is considered a 'rare' revival and from this production it's pretty clear why. The story is highly dated and it's evidently a very hard piece to stage. Whilst the cast do as much as they can with what they've been given, the production feels un-engaging and insufficiently developed.
The structure of 'a show within a show' does little other than make the piece feel static. No context is given for the prison setting and the transition from the damp cell to the dreamlike play is jarring at times. The switches feel bulky and instead of moving on what little story there is, add an unnecessary layer which isn't resolved in any way.
The thin plot follows author Cervantes (Kelsey Grammer) who has been thrown into the prison. In an attempt to save his manuscript of Don Quixote and his worldly possessions, he acts out the novel and allows the other captives to take part. Grammer is good in his roles most of the time but feels unsteady, especially during the fight scenes, and doesn't bring the show's hit song 'The Impossible Dream' to life with much bravado. In general the cast are strong but there are moments of weakness, mostly due to the book itself.
Nicholas Lyndhurst plays both the sinister Governor and boozy innkeeper and is highly entertaining. The story may be strange but Lyndhurst amuses and brings his unsophisticated characters to life.
Soprano Danielle de Niese plays Aldonza, the local prostitute who Quixote sees as his princess and damsel in distress, Dulcinea. De Niese is vocally strong and brings an entertaining feistiness to the stage, but her incredibly dated role which features a brutal rape scene, again feels discordant. There seems to be a lack of balance between comedy and drama, with whimsical moments suddenly being taken over by shocking social commentaries, that do little to resonate with a modern audience.
There are brief sparkles of greatness in this production: David Seadon-Young stands out among the ensemble, Peter Polycarpou is engaging and whimsical and the gypsy dance is well choreographed. However overall Man of La Mancha feels like a show which cannot be made relevant for a contemporary audience. The bizzare characters are too far removed from anything the audience can sympathise with which makes the whole production feel empty.
If Fotini Dimou's beautifully detailed costumes and David White's superbly virtuosic orchestra are enough for you to fork out the the ticket money then by all means go to this show, but don't expect much more.
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Saturday 4 May 2019
Disney's Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre | Review
Aladdin
Prince Edward Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 21st May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
There's always room for a little injection of Disney magic and Aladdin which is booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until July 27th 2019, is just that. It's not a life-altering, thought-provoking piece of theatre but it's a whole lot of fun, mountains of sparkle and enough magic to enthral children and adults alike.
If you're unaware of the story, Aladdin follows a street urchin who is hustling his way through life. That is, until he meets the Princess of Agrabah and his life becomes a little more wild. As the prophesied 'Diamond in the Rough', Aladdin gets his hands on a lamp which contains a magical Genie, who will grant him three wishes. Aladdin ventures to find love and escape the dark characters who are on his tail in this mystical story.
Aladdin (played by Matthew Croke) is lovable and charming in all the ways you could desire. With a beautiful voice and fantastic stage presence he leads the show perfectly. Croke's rendition of 'Proud of Your Boy' is truly moving and a wonderful moment of calm among an all-singing, all-dancing musical. His Jasmine is played by Courtney Reed who is dazzling and brings a feminist, sassy quality to the character that transfers fantastically on stage. Reed's vocal performances are equally as enchanting and when the pair join for the iconic duet 'A Whole New World' they not only do the film version justice, but put their own mystical spin on it.
The rest of the cast are highly talented, as shown by the various dance numbers which are performed with enthusiasm and precision. Similarly to the film, it's the Genie (played by Trevor Dion Nicholas) who utterly steals the show. With incredible comedic flair and dramatic prowess, Nicholas earns rapturous applause in every scene. Act One closer 'Friend Like Me' is a glistening gem in this production.
A spin of colour, created by Bob Crowley's sets and Gregg Barnes' costumes, Aladdin is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. The sides of the stage do feel a little underused as they are completely bare, but the black box effect strangely makes the stage look like a television which works for this show.
There are times when the show does feel a bit pantomime-esque, but there's no denying that it caters to the vast audience of tourists, theatre newbies, children, theatre regulars and adults very well. Aladdin pleasantly surprises and impresses.
The mix of comedy, romance, fantastic performances and magic, mean something is provided for everyone and you can't help but feel whisked up in the wonder of it all.
The mix of comedy, romance, fantastic performances and magic, mean something is provided for everyone and you can't help but feel whisked up in the wonder of it all.
Aladdin is currently booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until July 27th
For more information and tickets, visit: www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
Wednesday 1 May 2019
Madagascar the Musical (UK Tour), New Theatre Oxford | Review
Madagascar the Musical
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Tuesday 30th April 2019 by Emma Gradwell
★★★★
Spotlights spiral around the auditorium, a crate flies open and a monkey threatens to throw
poop at us if we use our mobile phones – the tone is immediately set for Madagascar the
Musical.
Set designer, Tom Rogers does a magnificent job. The stage is surrounded by packing crates
that may contain some surprises, and moving pieces that instantly transform the set into a
zoo, Grand Central Station and the jungles of Madagascar. The human ‘animals’ are visually
engaging, with clever costumes from Robert Alsopp that help to give them an uncanny
resemblance to their animated counterparts.
Matt Terry is a nimble and energetic Alex the lion, who along with Antoine Murray Straughan as Marty the zebra, relentlessly bound about the stage with fun-filled
choreography provided by Fabian Aloise. Terry’s vocals are great and he is engaging and
likeable. Timmika Ramsay shines as the sassy Hippo, Gloria and her vocals stand out among
the leads.
Jo Parsons shuffles onto the stage after the interval as the ridiculous King Julien, a lemur
with a crazy, indeterminate accent. This is when the production really comes alive. Aside
from the leads, all of the creatures are represented by puppets and are voiced by a talented
team. The penguins waddle out and are hilarious and endearing. Led by Shane McDaid as
Skipper they deliver some cherished lines from the film: “Smile and wave boys, smile and
wave”. The team switch seamlessly between characters, their voices providing much visual
joy to the proceedings. Jessica Niles as Mort the tiny lemur is unbearably cute.
While the musical numbers are not going to set the world alight, Madagascar the Musical
makes up for it with charm and spectacle. There is enough to entertain the adults (rectal
thermometers and a couple of drug-fuelled dream sequences), but it remains at heart a
children’s show. It’s a ninety minute escape from technology and provides the innocence
needed for an uncomplicated and fun evening. The faces of the young audience as they
flossed and sang along with King Julien were an absolute joy, and that surely has to be a job
well done.
Madagascar runs at the New Theatre Oxford until May 4th before continuing its tour
photo credit: Scott Rylander
Tuesday 30 April 2019
Emilia, Vaudeville Theatre | Review
Emilia
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 29th April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
A transfer from the Globe, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's play about the 17th century poet Emilia Bassano Lanier is already receiving highly positive acclaim as it rouses audiences to their feet night after night. The emotive feminist speeches and fantastically comedic setup of the whole show, make it entertaining, informative and transformative.
It's incredibly encouraging to hear unashamedly feminist words be spoken and performed by such a diverse, encompassing, all-female cast. Despite Emilia being a huge part of feminist history as one of the first published female poets, she has been brushed under the carpet for years. Lloyd Malcolm has made an excellent choice to shine a light by using Emilia's rhetoric to discuss the centuries-long oppression of women. The issues, though different in today's context, are still painfully relevant and Lloyd Malcolm's clever twist on language mixes the past and present wonderfully. Nicole Charles' playful direction also helps make the show buoyant and engaging.
Charles has three actresses (unified by their blue dresses) take on the role of Emilia at different stages of her life. Little is factually known about her life so poetic license is taken as she travels through her introduction to court, motherhood and time as a teacher. The mental growth of Emilia is physically shown as she changes person after life altering moments.
Saffron Coomber, Adelle Leonce and Clare Perkins are exceptional in their roles, thriving both in their individual moments and even more so when they support one another. Emilia is supposedly the 'dark lady' in Shakespeare's famous sonnet, an idea which Lloyd Malcolm has really zoomed in on. The love affair between Emilia and Shakespeare fizzles as Emilia struggles with not being offered the same as him, her male counterpart. Charity Wakefield expertly takes on the role of the famous writer who is witty but insecure and self-absorbed as he exploits Emilia for her words.
The dense plot flows well, and efficiently highlights a number of struggles faced by women. Whilst entertaining, the 'south of the river' women Emilia teaches, do lack some dimension but help the story flow. Equally, the occasional parallels to modern immigration are a little lacking but provide food for thought in their brief moments.
The heart of Emilia and the heart of this piece is anger. In a unsubtle but completely justified way, Perkins closes the show with a magnificently stirring speech which calls for female empowerment. This is a modern musical that shows just how strong women are. The inclusivity of Emilia must also be applauded in terms of it's cast and audience. From a baby friendly performance to last nights captioned show, this is a musical for now in so many ways. If you need motivation, go see this show.
Emilia runs at the Vaudeville Theatre until 1st June
Friday 26 April 2019
Club Tropicana (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Club Tropicana (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 25th April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
A whirlwind of big hair, 80s hits, innuendos and humour, Nick Winston's Club Tropicana isn't a musical masterpiece but it is a whole lot of fun and a harmless piece of entertainment.
The storyline is minimal but follows Lorraine who jilts her fiancé at the alter and goes on a friend holiday to drink and dance away her blues. Her fiancé also goes on a friend holiday... to the same Spanish hotel....
Said hotel is in the running to be awarded a prestigious award so they're doing their best to impress the hotel inspector. Featuring a host of humourous characters and larger than life performances, the gaps in the book are made up for with verve and energy.
Diego Pitarch's set doesn't have much depth to it, but does its job exactly and brings the colour of the show to life well. Making clever use of the space, as well as using the more basic elements for comedic effect, Pitarch has done a great job. Equally, his costumes are very 80s and effective.
The cast are the life of this show, performing the 20 well-known 80s bops wonderfully. As entertainment manager Joe McElderry shines. A great voice, fab comic timing and well done audience interaction, McElderry makes a stellar addition to the cast. Neil McDermott is entertaining, if a little underused as Robert, but his performances alongside the hilarious Emily Tierney as double-crossing hotelier Christine, and lovestruck Amelle Barrabah as Serena are great. The extremely well characterised Consuela, is a sure stand out thanks to Kate Robbins' completely hilarious portrayal, which provides laugh out loud moments every time she's on stage.
As leading man and lady Cellen Chugg Jones and Karina Hind are marvellous. Their strong vocals are well showcased and the pair work well together.
Mention must also go to Rebecca Mendoza, Tara Verloop and Kane Verrall who give fabulous performances. The entire cast are superbly invested throughout and with Nick Winston's choreography and Charles Ingles' musical direction, do a stellar job of keeping the energy alive throughout.
Club Tropicana has the feel-good factor and is sure to bring a bounce to your step. For a self-aware, super cheesy but well done production, take a trip to Hotel Tropicana and laugh the night away.
Club Tropicana runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 27th April before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Darren Bell
Thursday 25 April 2019
Ain't Misbehavin', Southwark Playhouse | Review
Ain't Misbehavin'
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Wednesday 24th April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Tyrone Huntley makes his directorial debut with this vivacious production that hasn't been seen in London for almost 25 years. With Oti Mabuse's choreography, the show is a whirlwind of energy which excites and entertains throughout.
Originally conceived by Richard Maltby Jr the show is billed as The Fats Waller Musical. It's more of a cabaret revue than a musical but, thanks to Huntley's direction, the performers have their own characteristics which thread throughout the show and create a fantastic cohesion. Songwriter and pianist, Fats Waller had a hugely successful career which combined jazz, slapstick comedy and gin. However, this show isn't about the man himself, but the music he created.
The powerhouse cast bring spades of energy and vocal prowess with every number. Renée Lamb is sassy and animated, Carly Mercedes Dyer is sweetly comedic, Landi Oshinowo brings spades of soul, Wayne Robinson is smooth and sharp and Adrian Hansel is sleek throughout. Alongside the strong five-piece band, the team give contagious performances.
The set and costume design by takis is glitzy and exuberant, with sparkles and swing embodied on every inch. The Southwark Playhouse is transformed to have an almost speakeasy feel as we are whisked away to a world of jazz and gin.
The 100 minute show is a sexy and sassy celebration of Fats Waller's music, with choreography and vocals to impress everyone. The cast do an outstanding job of selling all of the thirty musical numbers and providing both emotional and hugely comedic moments.
Ain't Misbehavin' runs at the Southwark Playhouse until June 1st 2019
photo credit: Pamela Raith
Wednesday 24 April 2019
The House on Cold Hill (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
The House on Cold Hill (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd April 2019 by Natalie Parsons
★★★
Ollie Harcourt and his family have bought the house of their dreams in the
country, but it is not as idyllic as it sounds!!
This old mansion has a chequered
history which explains why it has been empty for forty years. It is not long
before the Harcourt family begin to realise that they are not the only residents of the house.
The House on Cold Hill has the chill of the usual ghost story, such as Woman in Black but with a modern twist. It’s set in the present day in a house packed
with modern technology – laptops, WIFI and leading lady Alexa. The modern influence makes the show feel more relatable, however, at
times the suspense and thrill becomes overshadowed by the comical
intervention of the script.
Credit must go to the cast for portraying a modern professional family with Joe McFadden
as Ollie, the former advertising man who's now setting up his own web design
company; Rita Simons as his wife Caro, the practical and factual Solicitor and daughter Jade played by Persephone Swales-Dawson as the petulant teenager.
Joe McFadden delivers a solid transition from joyful Ollie as his bubble is burst. From being exuberant about the move and the opportunities the house
provides he is sent into disbelief as he accepts that there may be something
sinister going on and the realisation that his family may be in terrible danger.
Rita Simons, his wife Caro, is the more practical of the two when things go
wrong and more willing to believe what she’s experienced. There is good
chemistry between the cast and they all support each other well, to deliver a
solid delivery of the plot. At times the suspense is broken by a
change of direction to light heartedness so you aren’t sure if it is a thriller or
light comedy.
I think fans of Peter James may be slightly disappointed with the
adaptation of the book to stage and may find that the transition to stage
has lost a certain amount of the thriller element. But The House on Cold Hill does
create some spooky moments, with some good stage effects.
The play is
performed well by the cast with special mention of Persephone Swales Dawson
performance. The use of Alexa in this modern thriller was ingenious!
The staging, lighting, costumes and scenery were excellent. I enjoyed the play
but can’t say I loved it.
photo credit: Helen Maybanks
Wednesday 17 April 2019
Rock of Ages (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review
Rock of Ages (UK Tour)
Bristol Hippodrome
Reviewed on Tuesday 16th April 2019 by Isobelle Desbrow
★★★
Rock of Ages is a jukebox music which lacks any storyline but makes up for it through the use of humour and performance. Featuring such songs such as ‘We Built this City’, ‘I Wanna Know What Love Is’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, the music is really stand out. Without these well know songs, and the musicianship of the actors the show wouldn’t have been worth watching.
Jodie Steele leads the cast wonderfully as Sherrie, her voice perfectly in sync with the rock genre. Steele's command of the stage is fantastic, with highlights being when she ran over Lonny’s foot with a toy tractor and her vocals in song like ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘High Enough’ along side Drew played by Luke Walsh. Both performers provide outstanding vocals which you can't fail to be impressed by. However, they are unfortunately plagued by a one dimensional love story.
Lucas Rush plays the charismatic Lonny, who also also narrates the show. His shenanigans with the audience often breaking the forth wall, really keep the audience involved. His enthusiasm and characterisation, are well needed in this dry at times show. Overall his acting and singing utterly brings the house down in tears of laughter and he also keeps the pace of the show going.
Regina played by Rhiannon Chesterman is a hilarious and spectacular singer, who often left me jaw dropped while singing such numbers like ‘We're Not Gonna Take It’ and ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’. Dennis is played by the rocking Kevin Kennedy who’s rockstar voice matches the music well. Zoe Birkett plays the sultry Justice who owns the Venus Gentlemen’s club, and is a mother like character for Sherrie during the second half. Her soulful singing is a well cast addition to the show.
While this musical lacks a notable storyline, the interaction with the audience and jokes make it worthwhile and the performances all round are fantastic.
Rock of Ages runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 20th April before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Richard Davenport
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 16th April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake premiered in 1995 and has since received critical and audience acclaim. Bourne's Swan Lake which replaces the female swans with an ensemble of skilled, menacing men, is one of the most groundbreaking ballet retellings and remains fresh and innovative today.
In typically Bourne fashion, the storyline is dark but with many injections of humour and fine attention to detail (the adorable Corgi which crosses the stage is just one example). The set is extravagant and luxurious enough to make you forget you're watching a touring production. Equally, Lez Brotherston has done an outstanding job with the delicately designed costumes which conjure up the atmosphere of each scene and setting wonderfully. Particularly impressive are the glamorous ballroom scenes where everything sparkles and shines; and the sinister hospital scene where masks bring a nightmarish world to life against stark white.
The entirety of this ballet is fantastically nuanced, with every emotion interpreted perfectly. The balance between dance, comedy and drama is exquisite and there are often so many brilliant things happening at once that you don't know where to look. This production is truly a feast for the eyes.
Tchaikovsky's score also provides a feast for the ears. The Swan Lake Orchestra's lush, virtuosic recording shines and soars exactly as one would wish. The recognisable music, accompanied by masculine dance has the audience transfixed from open to close.
Max Westwell as The Swan is outstandingly multi-faceted. At times he is menacing as he rears up, but equally calm and regal as he defensively bows down. The contrast is amazing to watch as is the way the Price (Dominic North) complements him. The pair are both strong and delicate as they create a thrilling union on stage.
Nicole Kabera is suitably regal as the queen, with Freya Field a complete contrast, constantly stepping on toes and causing laughs as the Girlfriend. Both ladies are highlights of the production.
Swan Lake is a sumptuous production full of glorious moments which you'd be hard pressed not to revel in. A powerful, intricately choreographed and danced show, this is a must see for ballet regulars and newbies alike.
Swan Lake runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until April 20th, before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Johan Persson
Saturday 6 April 2019
Warner Bros Studio Tour: Gringotts Wizarding Bank Review
Harry Potter may have first hit shelves over twenty years ago but the love is still real and fans are able to keep the magic alive through Warner Bros. Studio Tour which features the actual sets and props from the film franchise and transports you to Hogwarts.
This week I was invited to a special event to celebrate the opening of the new Gringotts Wizarding Bank (officially opens today!) addition to the tour and it was really wonderful. My only previous visit was in 2012 and since then, the expansion has been exceptional. You now get the chance to explore the Forbidden Forest, Privet Drive, Platform 9¾ and so much more, and whilst you know you're on a set, the presentation is wonderful and every inch is photo worthy (watch our vlog of the tour here and see my instagram posts here.)
Whether you're a Potter Super Fan or just like a bit of magic in your life, you're sure to find treat upon treat in this tour. Not only do you see the sets and probs, but you get a behind the scenes look at how everything came to be. There's an entire section dedicated to the creation of the goblin prosthetics as well as a close up look at the intricate designs for every aspect of the Wizarding World. It's truly amazing to see the detail that went into making this such a successful franchise.
Gringotts itself is luxurious and elaborate. Epic chandeliers dangle overhead stern looking goblins who man the desks. Wizarding cheque books and quills are scattered around just waiting for a witch or wizard to make a deposit.
After seeing Gringotts in all its glory, you get to see it destroyed... and the dragon that destroyed it (menacing indeed)! The Lestrange Vault is also open to the public and is a magpie's dream, full of glittering coins and glistening jewels.
Throughout the tour the Harry Potter score is playing and will really make you feel as though you're going to see Ron round any corner or accidentally find yourself at a game of Quidditch. The atmosphere is mystical enough to make you really believe in magic.
If the tour is not enough of a feast for your eyes, there's also the new and improved gift shop at the end which is an experience of its own. Perfectly curated, it feels like an adventure in itself. Whilst it is quite pricey, there's a selection of amazing items to feast your eyes on.
Gringotts and the entire Studio Tour is a must see for all wizards, witches and muggles. Leave yourself a lot of time to explore this magical world and allow yourself to revel in the wonder of Harry Potter.
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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